THE HEAD of children’s services in Worcestershire is set to bid farewell after six years at the county council.
Gail Quinton is leaving the authority in September to take up a fresh challenge as executive director for people at Coventry City Council.
Among the changes she has made since joining the council in 2009, are the establishment of the Next Steps programme, the re-design of Children’s Social Care, the first phase of Early Help services and the Stronger Families programme.
She will also be leaving with the county’s schools the highest performing in the West Midlands, while 89 per cent of them have been rated as good or outstanding by Ofsted.
And Mrs Quinton said it had been a ‘privilege’ to work on behalf of children and their families.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helps to make a real difference to children’s lives each and every day,” she said.
“I am looking forward to the fresh opportunities my new role in Coventry offers and will move on in September knowing that the work under way will continue.”
Coun John Campion, cabinet member for children and families, praised Mrs Quinton for her ‘leadership and dedication’, while Clare Marchant, chief executive of Worcestershire County Council, added: “Gail has been a fantastic asset to the council since she joined us six years ago.
“Her skill, professionalism and, importantly, passion for the services she leads has always been evident and the successes achieved during her time in Worcestershire bear this out.”
It has also been confirmed an interim director would be put in place following Mrs Quinton’s departure.
